Hoarse Voice – Folk Remedy

Are you hoarse?

Hoarseness is a common problem, but is oftentimes ignored. Many people attribute the problem to “laryngitis.” However, there are a variety of causes of hoarseness, some that are not benign. If your voice is hoarse, there are some telltale signs that may point to a serious problem:

1. The presence of mild to moderate hoarseness lasting longer than 3 weeks. Typically, laryngitis lasts only 1-2 weeks, and only causes significant voice problems for less than a week. Hoarseness that continues beyond that period may indicate other problems with the vocal cords.

2. Complete loss or severe change in voice lasting longer than one week. As mentioned above, even severe laryngitis only causes significant voice loss for a few days.

3. Hoarseness that is associated with pain (not from a cold or flu). While it is normal to have a sore throat and hoarseness with a cold, it is not normal to have hoarseness and a sore throat when not otherwise sick.

4. Hoarseness that is associated with a feeling of a lump in the throat. These symptoms are often due to acid reflux disease. However, they can often signal a growth in the throat.

5. Hoarseness that is associated with a chronic cough or coughing up blood. A persistent cough may be a sign of a growth in the throat. Especially concerning is the presence of a bloody cough.

6. Hoarseness that is associated with breathing difficulty. While any breathing problem can be serious, hoarseness associated with breathing trouble may indicate a narrowing of the airway.

7. Hoarseness that is associated with swallowing difficulty. This may indicate a significant problem with the throat, including narrowing or a growth.

The term nodule is used frequently when referring to a lesion (swelling or growth) on the vocal cords. Many patients are diagnosed with “nodules” on their vocal cords, and are referred to speech therapists to resolve their condition. In fact, there are many different types of lesions that can appear similar to vocal cord nodules, and the treatment varies depending on the root cause of the problem.

Vocal cord nodules are a specifically defined entity that results from a relatively well-defined set of causes, and which have well-defined treatment guidelines. True nodules arise due to vocal abuse behavior, combined with several other factors, including, most importantly, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Nodules created in this manner are always bilateral (directly apposing), and appear at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the vocal cords. This area is most susceptible because it is the point on the vocal cords that takes the brunt of the vocally abusive behavior.

In order to distinguish true nodules from other lesions that may look similar, special examination techniques may be needed to more closely examine the vocal cords. These tests may include rigid laryngoscopy or flexible laryngoscopy with or without stroboscopy. These tests provide better images and give more information that may be helpful in arriving at the proper diagnosis.

Nodules may vary in severity. Early nodule formation may be referred to as “prenodules.” These “prenodules” are soft, and easily resolved with minimal intervention. More advanced forms of nodules are harder, almost callous-like. These are more difficult to resolve, and may require surgical intervention.

Once a diagnosis of vocal cord nodules is reached, the treatment regimen can be initiated. Generally, the treatment of choice for these lesions is speech therapy. Often this is combined with other treatments aimed at helping to resolve some of the other issues that may lead to nodule formation. As a whole, this “medical” regimen is highly effective in resolving the majority of nodules. Obviously, the less advanced the nodules, the easier they are to cure. Occasionally, however, patients may need surgery to remove advanced lesions. This does not, however, preclude adjunctive medical therapy. If lesions are removed, and the underlying causes are not addressed, the patient is at an increased risk not only of a poor voice outcome, but of a possible recurrence of the nodules.

Vocal cord polyps represent benign lesions that may have a variety of appearances. Polyps may be single or multiple, involve one cord or both, and may be big or small. Polyps may be pedunculated (hanging by a thin stalk) or sessile (have a wide base). Polyps may produce a variety of symptoms, depending on their size and location. Symptoms may include hoarseness, throat clearing, cough, and trouble swallowing.

Treatment of polyps varies and is dictated by the cause of the polyp, as well as its size and location. Small polyps caused by irritating factors such as smoking may be treated with smoking cessation alone. Other polyps may be treated with medication. Large polyps or those not responding to medication may require microlaryngoscopy with excision.

Drinking 250 cc or a glass of early morning urine for 4 yrs resolve the cyst in the larynge. Avoid soy sauce. Omit or reduce meat. Salt is ok. Lay and rest after drinking the urine. Early symptoms – voice change.